CIE AS Phy Paper 3 prep 1

CIE AS Physics Paper 3 prep

Table skills
Six sets of readings of C and x with correct trend
Range:
Column headings:
Each column heading must contain a quantity and a unit where appropriate.
The presentation of quantity and unit must conform to accepted scientific convention
Consistency: All values of raw x must be given to the nearest mm
Significant figures:
Calculation:

Axes:
Sensible scales must be used, no awkward scales
Scales must be chosen so that the plotted points occupy at least half the graph grid in both x and y directions
Scales must be labelled with the quantity which is being plotted.
Scale markings should be no more than 3 large squares apart.

Plotting of points:
All observations must be plotted on the grid.
Diameter of plotted points must be ⩽ half a small square (no blobs).
Plots must be accurate to within half a small square in both x and y directions.
Quality:
All points in the table must be plotted (at least 5) for this mark to be awarded.
Scatter of plots must be no more than ± 2cm (to scale) from a straight line in the x direction.

Line of best fit:

Judged by balance of all points on the grid (at least 5) about the line.
There must be an even distribution of points either side of the line along the full length
One anomalous point is allowed only if clearly indicated (i.e. circled or labelled) by the candidate.
Lines must not be kinked or thicker than half a square.

Gradient:
The hypotenuse of the triangle used must be greater than half the length of the drawn line.
Method of calculation must be correct.
Both read-offs must be accurate to half a small square in both the x and y directions.

y-intercept:
Correct read-off from a point on the line substituted into y = mx + c or an equivalent expression, with read-off
accurate to half a small square in both x and y directions.
OR Intercept read directly from the graph, with read-off at x = zero accurate to half a small square in y
direction.
Unit
CIE AS Phy Paper 3 prep 2
is dimensionally correct
use the equation, substitute all the known units like m, kg… work out the unit of the unknown

Justification on sig. fig. of a quantity

Look at ALL the measurements that are needed to calculate the quantity
The number of significant figures is determined by the measurement with the least significant figure

Apparatus Absolute uncertainty

sources of uncertainty or limitations Improvements

Difficult to measure diameter of round object
Difficult to measure due to parallax
Two values are not enough to draw a valid conclusion Take more readings and plot a graph /
Difficulty with measuring time with reason,
thermometer is not precise enough to measure a
small change in temperature
Difficulty with taking two measurements
simultaneously.
the use of other apparatus or different procedures
measure with round object between blocks
use calipers
Video with timer in view (or frame by frame)
more precise thermometer/thermometer reading to
0.1 °C/thinner capillary in thermometer
linked to data logger system
video with measuring tool 1 and measuring tool 2 in
view.